MAS and Deseg: How TUSD May Interpret Bury's Decision

Statement from Tucson Unified School District on Unitary Status PlanTucson, AZ, Feb. 8, 2013 — Tucson Unified School District leadership and legal counsel are reviewing the federal court order received this week on the Unitary Status Plan. The TUSD Governing Board will review this plan and actions will be taken to implement the requirements as appropriate. The plan is designed to provide equal educational opportunities for African American and Mexican American students. The USP calls for the development of culturally relevant courses that reflect the history and culture of African American and Mexican American communities. The court found that the former Mexican American Studies courses are not at issue in the case and are discontinued. The district is responsible for creating a new curriculum that meets the intent of the order. The order did not include a ruling on the initiation of school closures, which are pending until approval from the court is received. The final version of the Unitary Status Plan is still forthcoming and should be received by the end of next week. TUSD is dedicated to fulfilling the requirements of the plan, improving academic achievement for all students and moving the district out from under court oversight.